When it comes to the last line of defense on the soccer pitch, unwavering toughness is a non-negotiable trait for any sweeper. As the final safeguard in front of the goalkeeper, the sweeper must possess a combination of grit and composure to anchor the defense. Mahopac senior defender Michael Oteng meets and surpasses those expectations for the state-ranked No. 8 Wolf Pac (11-1-1), which hasn't lost a game since a 1-0 loss to reigning sectional champion Harrison on Sept. 14.
“He has been a great kid to work with over the years,” Wolf Pac coach Chris Mulholland said of his captain. “He plays with a lot of intensity and passion and I think that is pretty clear when you watch him play. Playing a position like defense, there can be times where you don't have to do much, and it's really important to keep the focus in those moments. He does a great job keeping himself and his defensive partners together and organized, and it's a big part of why our defense has done so well this season. He has a great personality and is a great leader of the group.”
Oteng’s long-term plan is far from fully mobilized as he dabbles with his future and weighs his options, though uncertainty won’t dampen his ambitious dreams.
“I’ve been looking into colleges and have been going on visits and calling with coaches right now," said Oteng, noting that he expects to announce his commitment by the end of this year. “I am planning on majoring in communications, more specifically sports communications, and I want to play college soccer and make a name for myself, then later on move to Europe and play there.”
The name he’s made for himself at Mahopac High is more than respected by coaches, teachers, teammates and the opposition. Let’s find out more about ‘Big Mike.’
Mahopac's soccer program become much strong in recent years. How?
Coach reminds us almost every day how the program was before these last couple years. Coach is the reason for all of this by working harder than anyone to help push all of us. This team is like a family to me and I don’t really feel that we exceeded expectations because I knew that if you have the right players with a coach like mine you can do anything if you put your mind towards it and you never lose focus.
Has the team's rise made the players proud of the program?
Yeah these types of accomplishments lead to higher team morale and it’s always a positive, and I know we have a serious shot to win it all. Me and my boys are ready for everything in our way and all the challenges, during every huddle before the games I say to my team that ‘God is watching over us because without him then none of these accomplishments would be in place right now’, so I’m definitely proud of my team.
You seem like a very spiritual person from our conversations and your online footprint. Is that important to you?
Yeah, I always try to keep up with my faith. I’m reminded everyday to not take anything for granted, so all these games and practices I really work hard and just make sure to enjoy every moment because you don’t know how long they will be here. I’m just thankful to be a captain of this team and that comes with a lot of weight, but if I’m able to take some weight off my teammates and put that on my back I will do whatever I can with God by my side.
What’s been the most challenging part of high school for you?
Figuring out what college I want to go to while juggling soccer and academics at the same time. I do have some times when I struggle with handling everything, especially with overthinking everything but I always try my best to just stay calm.
What’s your favorite high school memory so far?
Most likely when I got the chance to go to Germany because I really got the idea of how it is to play against professionals in a different country and it really just motivated me to work harder. That experience will never leave me and I'm thankful to my parents for helping me get to where I am.
What do you see yourself accomplishing in five to 10 years?
Hopefully going to a good college, and having a good stable life while continuing to play soccer. I really just want to make my family proud of me. That's what matters the most. My family often jokes around about me playing for our national team, Ghana, in the future and even though I don’t think I will ever get to that level; just the idea of people thinking I can go that far just makes me smile.
Has a teacher or administrator made an especially big difference to you?
I feel like Mrs. Fetzer is always my go-to teacher for just anything that was going on in school. She was my earth science teacher during sophomore year and even though I likely wasn’t the brightest student in that class, I always put in effort because Mrs. Fetzer would remind me that I’m smarter than I show.
People are so divided these days. What traits do you possess that might bring us closer together?
I think I’m a person who can understand the tough times people can go through and I know life is never easy. I know that people often hide their feelings and I have done that many times over these last years. I know I'm not perfect with this, but I try to really see if someone is okay and just a quick check-up on them matters a lot.
Name a chore that you hate: Folding laundry.
Favorite place to visit: Probably the Canes; in all honesty I don’t think I've ever walked into that place without a smile on my face.
Intended college major: Communications.
Hobbies outside of sports: Listen to music. It always seems to calm or hype me. I watch lots of anime (Japanese animation) even though I know many people might not like it.
Best slice of pizza in Mahopac: Cacciatori’s pepperoni pizzas.
Favorite local restaurant: I like the Carriage House, it’s just a nice simple place.
What do you on a day off? Hang out with my team even more or go see my friends.
What are you not nearly an expert at? Definitely science.
Favorite pregame ritual: Always just listen to some music before my games then pray right before the game.
Favorite music/band: My favorite artist is Daniel Caesar and Jhené Aiko. I listen to them everyday.
What’s your favorite sport to play? Favorite sport to watch? My favorite sport to play is definitely soccer since I do it everyday and to watch is either soccer or basketball (only when it's a 76ers game).
Favorite professional athlete: Michael Olise, he plays for the France national team. I always just love talking about him and I believe he’s the best soccer player in the world. I like LeBron too, don’t worry.
Favorite pro team? I’m a Philly fan for all sports except football. That's where I like the Cowboys, but if I had to choose any sport it would probably be the 76ers. I've been watching their games for years now.
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